Taking down Tiger Woods has been a key to Europe’s recent domination of the clash with the Yanks.

But while serious doubts remain over whether Woods will be in Gleneagles, new world No.1 McIlroy will be leading a home side looking to complete a hat-trick of victories.

Jose Maria Olazabal sent out the Northern Irish star in the first group on Friday morning in Medinah in a statement of European intent.

But McGinley admitted: “Beating Tiger used to be worth more than a point – and that is something I will be discussing with Rory.

“I have a number of things to talk to Rory about and that is one of them. He has been incredibly engaging already. I don’t want to put too much on his shoulders because he still has a FedEx to win before we start thinking about the Ryder Cup.”

Masters champion Bubba Watson yesterday admitted the US wildcards were “up for grabs” and McGinley claims he’s also going to be spoiled for choice when it comes to making the European picks.

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A host of players showed good form at the US PGA to confirm McGinley’s side as the hot favourites.

The skipper said: “It is all going well and looking very good, although I assure you there’s no way we will underestimate the American team whoever the 12 may be.

“It is great to see guys such as Lee Westwood come good and show what they are capable of. Ian Poulter and Luke Donald are the same while Jamie Donaldson and Graeme McDowell have shown how determined they are to hang on to their places.

“When you see them all making a dash for the line it just shows how much everyone wants to be on the team, even if they say it is only at the back of their minds at the moment.

“I’m going to be spoiled for choice when it comes to naming my wild card picks but that is a situation all European captains find themselves in these days. You have to make some tough choices.

“The guys playing here this week have made it even more difficult but it’s a problem I will happily deal with. The strength in depth we have is incredible, so I’m very fortunate.”

McDowell shot his best round of the week – a 69 – yesterday to finish on one under at the US PGA.

And the Northern Irishman said: “I want to be in the automatic spots if I possibly can. The Ryder Cup is very important to me.

“I’m optimistic about the way I’m playing and about my chances of finishing in the automatic spots. I’d be fairly optimistic of my chances of a pick too. It will take care of itself. I’m not really too worried about it.

“My form in the last couple of months has certainly shown the captain I’m playing well. I’m happy with the way I’m playing.”

Both skippers will announce their three picks on September 2 and US star Watson reckons his namesake Tom also has a tough choice.

Bubba said: “The wildcards are going to have three weeks to show some guts there and it is going to change a lot. After the nine in the team it is up in the air. Somebody who is 23rd in the points right now could show some guts over the next few weeks and change Tom’s mindset dramatically.”

Scots star Colin Montgomerie has been a Ryder Cup fixture as both player and captain but he won’t be part of the team at Gleneagles.

The 51-year-old finished his first regular Major in four years on five over par after a disappointing end to his final round yesterday.

He bogeyed the last three holes to sign for a 75 and had to wait 90 minutes during a rain delay before playing his approach to the 18th.

Monty was 195-yards out and about to hit his third shot into the green when play was halted.

Once the Scot returned he three-putted the hole and said: “It was a shame to finish bogey, bogey, bogey but then the golf course is long enough without this carry on with the weather.

“The last four holes when it started raining were unplayable.”

Monty, who has won two Majors on the Senior tour this year, ripped into organisers for refusing to send the players out earlier.

He said: “They could have easily started earlier today with three balls off both tees given the forecast.

“With this Doppler thing they can forecast the weather street for street in America. It’s fantastic.

“When we got to the last the course became a swimming pool. But they could have got away with it by changing. Instead of two guys finishing every 10 minutes you would have six guys finishing every 10 minutes.”